Baking soda, or bircarbonate of soda, is one of those inexpensive household staples that has seemingly endless uses that extend beyond the baking tray. Here are 30 surprising ways you can use baking soda around your home:
1. Natural de-odouriser
Place an open box in the refrigerator or sprinkle in trash cans or in shoes to absorb odours.
2. Gentle cleaner
Mix with water to create a paste for cleaning countertops, sinks, and bathtubs.
3. Carpet freshener
Sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming to eliminate odours.
4. Drain cleaner
Pour down drains with vinegar to clear clogs and freshen pipes.
5. Fruit and vegetable wash
Scrub produce with a baking soda solution to remove pesticides and dirt.
6. Stainless steel polish
Make a paste to clean and shine stainless steel appliances.
7. Oven cleaner
Apply a baking soda paste to oven surfaces, let sit overnight, then wipe clean.
8. Grout whitener
Apply a paste to grout lines, let sit, then scrub and rinse.
ALSO SEE:
9. Silverware polisher
Make a paste with water to clean and shine silverware.
10. Sponge cleaner
Soak sponges in a baking soda solution to sanitise and de-odourise.
11. Mattress refresher
Sprinkle on mattresses, let sit, then vacuum to remove odours.
12. Crayon remover
Scrub walls with a damp sponge and baking soda to remove crayon marks.
13. Toilet cleaner
Sprinkle in the bowl, let sit, then scrub for a sparkling clean.
14. Cutting board cleanser
Scrub with a paste to remove food odours and stains.
15. Brushing teeth
Use as a gentle tooth whitener and breath freshener.
16. Windshield cleaner
Make a paste to remove dead insects and grime from car windshields.
17. Weed killer
Sprinkle in cracks of sidewalks and driveways to prevent weed growth.
18. Litter box odour control
Mix into cat litter to absorb odours.
19. Fabric softener
Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener.
20. Bathroom mildew remover
Apply a paste to mildewed areas, let sit, then scrub clean.
21. Nail brush cleaner
Soak nail brushes in a baking soda solution to sanitise and remove buildup.
ALSO SEE: How to remove nail polish stains with home-ingredients
22. Garage floor cleaner
Sprinkle on oil spills, let sit, then sweep and rinse.
23. Grill cleaner
Make a paste to scrub grill grates and remove grease buildup.
24. Stuffed animal freshener
Place plush toys in a bag with baking soda, shake, and let sit before brushing off.
25. Jewellery cleaner
Soak silver jewellery in a solution of baking soda and hot water to restore shine.
ALSO SEE: How to clean your gold and silver jewellery at home
26. Dishwasher cleaner
Add a sprinkle to your dishwasher to help remove tough food residues.
27. Marble cleaner
Make a paste to gently clean marble surfaces without scratching.
28. Thermos freshener
Use a baking soda solution to clean and de-odourise thermoses and water bottles.
29. Rust remover
Make a paste to remove rust from metal tools and surfaces.
30. Paint brush cleaner
Soak brushes in a baking soda solution to remove old paint.
ALSO SEE:
